When biking in winter, clothing and handling are critical to having a safe and enjoyable ride. / V. Richard Haro/Coloradoan

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Upcoming bike events

Winter Bike to Work Day:7-9:30 a.m. Wednesday. Free breakfast stations will be set up around town rewarding people for choosing to bicycle to work. Station locations at www.fcgov.com/bikewinter/. Bike Fort Collins Afternoon Soiree: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Old Town Square Bike Library. Celebrate winter cycling and help raise money for children’s bike giveaways. Soiree followed by bicycle caroling. Traffic Skills 101: 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Westbridge Medical Suites, 1107 S. Lemay Ave., Fort Collins. This free 7 ½-hour course teaches bicycle safety checks, on-bike skills and crash avoidance techniques. Course includes classroom and riding portions. A helmet and bicycle in good working condition are required. Register: www.fcgov.com/fcbikes

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Kudos to all the bike commuters out there riding this week on the snow and ice-covered roads during record-breaking cold temperatures.

With Winter Bike to Work Day coming on Wednesday, it’s time to provide some tips for winter cycling so you can join the masses and hop on your bike for your commute — no matter the temperature.

Bevin Barber-Campbell of the Bicycle Pedestrian Education Coalition, taught a Winter Cycling 101 class in conjunction with FC Bikes last week and we caught up with four local bicycle shops to get their employees’ top winter tips and gear.

Read on, layer up and see you on the bike trails on Wednesday.

Prepare your bike for winter

A mountain bike with wide tires and flat bars is ideal, but any type of bicycle works well for winter riding if it is set up properly for the elements.

Tires: With a significant amount of tread are preferable, Barber-Campbell said, and studded tires are a great option for extreme winter conditions Fort Collins saw this week. Studded tires run about $60-$120 and feature aluminum studs to provide excellent traction on snow and ice. You’ll want to avoid riding dry roads with studded tires, as they’ll wear down more quickly. A pair of studded tires should last you several seasons in Fort Collins.

Fenders: A must-have during the winter, as they’ll protect you from snow, slush and water being thrown from your tires onto your backside. You don’t want to arrive to work drenched. Fenders run for about $15-$40.

Lights: Daylight is at a premium during the winter in Fort Collins, with sunset arriving around 4:30 p.m. Most likely you’ll be commuting in the dark. Lights in the front and rear of your bike are a necessity, Barber-Campbell said. She suggests a light on your helmet and your handle bars for better visibility. Bike lights have a wide range in price ($15-$200). The brighter, the more expensive. Consider lights that are at least 300 lumens or higher.

Maintenance: During the winter, you’ll also have to be more diligent about your bike’s maintenance. The drivetrain in your bike is more susceptible to grit and buildup from the sand that’s used to cover the icy roads. Clean regularly and use a chain lube that’s designed for more harsh conditions.

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What to wear

Knowing what to wear doesn’t have be rocket science. Know your body and how it runs. Know your outfits for each temperature range (maybe break it down into three categories: chilly, cold, Siberian freeze, for example).

Insulating layer: This is your warmth layer. You’ll want to wear enough to stay warm, but not sweat. It’s better to start a little cold and get warm and more comfortable as you ride, as opposed to walking out of the house already sweating. Use multiple layers of fleece or wool with neck zippers, so you can adjust your ventilation.

Outerwear: Protects you from the elements like wind, rain, snow and sleet. A soft shell jacket should do the trick. Vent zippers on jackets and pants make it easier to regulate temperature and keep you from overheating.

Head: Hats/beanies under your helmet are a good option. Neck warmers/gaiters, balcalavas or a face mask will keep the rest of your neck from being exposed. Protect your eyes with sunglasses or goggles. Throw your hood of your jacket over your helmet.

Lower body: A base layer (tights) and a wind resistant/windproof/waterproof layer is enough. You could even wear long johns under your jeans. Or ski pants. Keep your feet warm with toe warmers, wear wool socks and neoprene shoe covers are an option. As are the Wolvhammer winter cycling boot ($250).

Hands: Use hand warmers or install bar mitts ($40) on your handlebars. This neoprene-made accessory installs on your bike and allows easy hand access and removal, keeping your hands warm and comfortable out of the elements. No matter the gloves or mitts you’re wearing, be sure you can operate the brakes, Barber-Campbell said.

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Safe riding tips

You’ll want to be extra cautious and take it slow riding in snowy or icy conditions, Barber-Campbell said.

If you’re on the road, take the lane if the bike lane is too snowy or icy. Be “light on ice,” avoiding sharp turns or slamming on the brakes. Search dry spots on the road or bike path to brake or turn.

In snow or rut, ride it out, Barber-Campbell said. Make small corrections rather than over-steering. Stay relaxed. You can practice this during the summer by riding in sand.

Lower your tire inflation for better traction in the snow.

Barber-Campbell said to your know your limits and that if you run into trouble, bail out. You can always put your bike on a bus or lock it up and get it later.

Jaime Jacoby

• Full Cycle, 2101 S College Ave, Fort Collins

• No. 1 piece of advice: If you have enough space on your bike, get as wide a tire as possible. If it is really icy out, studded tires with steel studs are great. Fortunately, you don’t need those very often riding in Fort Collins

• No. 1 piece of gear: Tights are a must-have. And a good pair of gloves for sure. Keeping your hands warm is crucial. I like the softshell lobster glove (Pearl Izumi, $75). It’s waterproof and windproof and it’s good for anything below 35 degrees. The design of the glove allows you to use two fingers on each hand for changing gears and pulling breaks.

Greg Thornton

• proVelo, 4612 S. Mason St., Suite 110, Fort Collins

• No. 1 piece of advice: Advice-wise layering is key. You want to balance keeping warm, but not overheating and over sweating. For bike maintenance, just keep your regular schedule and really watch that chain loop.

• No. 1 piece of gear: My winter boots. The hands and feet are the big ones (to keep warm). I’ve worn Lake boots ($250-$300) during the winter for the last 25-30 years and I always appreciate keeping my feet warm and dry. Pretty much every manufacturer has a good winter boot now.

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Staff

Peloton Cycles, 3027 E Harmony Rd, Fort Collins

• No. 1 piece of advice: Give yourself extra time and slow down. The conditions in winter can be sketchy and most people that get hurt in the winter do so because they are riding the same way they do when it is nice out. It also seems that Fort Collins has the bike paths cleared of snow before the the streets, so I like to try to be on them as much as possible for commutes in the winter.

• No. 1 piece of gear: Lights for sure, especially in winter. For cold-specific, something for your head, either a scull cap or balaclava.